Optimization of Propylene—Propane Distillation Process*

Optimization of distillation process, based on the real operating data taken from the factory, was carried out using Aspen Plus simulation engine. A need for the optimization came from the fact that the feed stream quality had been significantly changed recently, together with some of the process parameters. The right combination of pressure and reflux rate was to be found in order to minimize the energy consumption in the reboiler and to obtain the required product purity. The real column efficiency was found and the possibility of column capacity enlargement was tested.